Tuesday, September 10, 2013

ISAAC PERAL was an old street name in Ermita, Manila that was later changed
to United Nations Avenue. Little did I know that Isaac Peral was a Spanish
scientist, inventor, and military man. He invented the submarine -- the first
U-boat in naval history.

He was sent in mission to the Philippines in 1881, first
as a geographer and later as an officer of a gunboat. During his stay in the
Philippines, he received seven patents between 1887 and 1891 for his other
inventions.

The PERAL was the first electric battery powered
submarine built by Isaac Peral, for the Spanish Navy. The first fully capable
military submarine was launched on September 8, 1888. It had two torpedoes, new
air systems, hull shape and propeller and cruciform external controls
anticipating later designs. When fully charged it was the fastest submarine yet
built, with performance levels that matched or exceeded
those of First World War U-boats. In June 1890 Peral's submarine launched a
torpedo under the sea. It was also the first submarine to incorporate a fully
reliable underwater navigation system.

However, conservatives in the Spanish naval hierarchy
terminated the project despite two years of successful tests. It is assumed
that political reasons were the cause of its rejection after successful
tests.Isaac Peral, frustrated, retired
from naval active duty in November 1891.

These Philippine cigarette wrappers are tribute to this great Spanish
sailor, engineer and genius ISAAC PERAL

Monday, September 9, 2013

ESCOLTA
at NIGHT. Multi colored neon lights up Manila's version of Fifth
Avenue, New York. Banks and quality stores line up along the side. By
Platischrome, National Book Store.

Legislative Building (Now National Museum). Manila Cityhall at the back. Made by KRUGER, National Bookstore.

Aerial View of Manila

National Library, Manila

Busy
Rizal Avenue (Avenida) at Night. Movie theaters along the avenue are
the Ideal, State, Scala, Capitol, Ever, Avenue, Galaxy, and the Lyric.

China Town, Divisoria, Manila. Ca. 1960's

Quaipo Church, Manila. Ca. 1960's

Manila Hotel, taken from Manila bay.

Aerial view of Manila City. By Madonna Postcard. Ca. 1960's

ENTRANCE
TO CHINESE GARDEN, RIZAL PARK. The ornate arch which is reminiscent of
authentic Chinese Architecture least of the interior of the beautiful
garden. By KRUGER, National Book Store.

THE
CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND, LUNETA. Located within the area of Rizal Park
in Manila offers an endless variety of amusement for children. At the
background are the Manila Hilton, the city's tallest building and some
government and business establishments. Kruger by National Book Store

MAPUA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY inside Intramuros. By KRUGER, National Book Store.

PASIG
RIVER WITH MANILA'S SKYLINE - The Pasig river divides Manila into two
parts, North and South. It has witnessed all of the changes that has
come upon the nation's greatest city from the time of Legaspi, who
founded the city to the establishment of the Republic. Plastichrome by
National Book Store

THE
MAKATI SHOPPING CENTER. This is part of Makati's development as an
independent community with its own shopping center in the middle of
office, industrial and residential buildings. By Plastichrome, National
Book Store.

ANOTHER
VIEW OF THE MAKATI SHOPPING CENTER. This commercial center caters to
the needs of the residents of nearby San Lorenzo, Bel - Air, Urdaneta
and Forbes Park. By Plastichrome, National Book Store.

MAKATI'S
GROWING SKYLINE. In the few years , modern buildings have bee shooting
up in this area. Makati's phenomenal growth may be credited to the
far-reaching plans of its residents to ha a community comparable with
any in the world. Plastichrome, National Book Store.

MAKATI SHOPPING CENTER. Building in front is Shoe Mart. Rizal theater at the back. Made by Kruger.